Fluoride
Q&As:
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water. The amount that’s in the water depends on where in the UK you live.Fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, which is why it’s added to many brands of toothpaste.
What are the benefits?
Fluoride helps children and adults protect their teeth throughout their lives.
It strengthens the enamel (outside part of the tooth) making it more resistant to tooth decay and helps to remineralise the enamel encouraging a better quality enamel to form that is more resistant to acid attacks.
What if I don’t use fluoride?
Without fluoride protection, the teeth are more susceptible to decay and erosion. If these issues are left untreated, it can cause further damage
Is it safe?
There have been some concerns that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions. Reviews of the risks have so far found no convincing evidence to support these concerns.
However, a condition called dental fluorosis can sometimes occur if a child’s teeth are exposed to too much fluoride when they’re developing. To reduce the risk of mild fluorosis, the amount of toothpaste used by children should be supervised. Children under 3 years of age should use no more than a smear of toothpaste
Mild dental fluorosis can be seen as very fine pearly white lines or flecking on the surface of the teeth. Severe fluorosis can cause the tooth’s enamel to become pitted or discoloured.
It’s uncommon in the UK for fluorosis to be severe enough to seriously affect the appearance of teeth.
How much should I be using?
When your child is able to spit, they should be encouraged to spit out excess toothpaste but not to rinse their mouth with water. Fluoride from the toothpaste is then left on the teeth to help protect them. Make sure children don't lick or eat toothpaste from the tube
Children under 3 years old. Once your child has their first tooth, start brushing! Children under 3 should brush twice daily with a smear of toothpaste (approximately a grain of rice) containing at least 1,000ppm of fluoride. Brush twice a day in small circular motions and make sure to spit out the excess toothpaste.
Children aged 3-6 years old. Children aged 3-6 should brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,000ppm-1,500ppm of fluoride. Brush twice a day in small circular motions and make sure to spit out the excess toothpaste.
Children aged 7 and over & Adults. Children aged 7 and over should be using a pea-size amount of adult toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm-1,500ppm of fluoride. Brush twice a day in small circular motions and make sure to spit out the excess toothpaste.
Fluoride varnish at the dentist:
At your child’s 6 monthly dentist appointment, the dentist will apply a high content Fluoride varnish onto their teeth which helps prevent decay. It works by slowing down the development of decay and strengthening tooth enamel, making it less likely to decay.
From the age of two, children should be offered fluoride varnish treatment by their dentist at least twice a year
Fluorosis:
Fluorosis occurs when there is an overconsumption of fluoride during tooth development, typically from birth to eight years old. It can be shown through the appearance of the teeth, ranging from mild discoloration (white spots) to severe enamel damage (brown stains and putting). The severity depends on the amount and duration of fluoride exposure. It is important that the child receives the correct amount of fluoride for their age.
If you’re looking for a dentist near you in Essex, our Takeley dentists can help, contact us on info@dentalsmilestakeley.co.uk or 01279 879526
